Foundation stone laid for Pakistan-China Joint Research Center in Earth Sciences at Quaid-e-Azam University

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: The foundation stone for the Pakistan-China Joint Research Center in Earth Sciences was laid at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) on Wednesday afternoon.

This center will serve as a hub for research focused on the three major mountain ranges in Pakistan: the Himalayas, Hindu Kash, and Karakoram.

The Government of Pakistan pledged Pakistani Rs 7 billion for the construction of the research center, while the Chinese government committed an equal sum for equipment and other necessities.

This research center will play a pivotal role in studying the top three mountain ranges within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route, with Chinese and Pakistani scientists collaborating on various research initiatives.

During the conference, caretaker Federal Minister for Food Security Professor Kauser Abdullah Malik emphasized the importance of the research center and the conference, particularly in the context of climate change’s impact on agriculture and disaster management.

Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, expressed his delight at the realization of this project and praised the support of the Chinese government. He highlighted the strong bond between China and Pakistan, recognizing China’s consistent support.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, in his address, marked this event as a significant milestone in the enduring cooperation between the two countries.

He noted that China values green development and reiterated China’s commitment to working with Pakistan on various initiatives, including the development of corridors.

Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhang Yaping, highlighted the long-standing commitment to Pakistan and the significance of CPEC as a friendship project for regional connectivity. He emphasized the importance of academic institutions in Pakistan in the success of CPEC.

This event marks a step forward in the strong partnership between China and Pakistan, fostering collaboration in scientific research and regional development. Shields were also distributed among the guests as a token of appreciation.

Concurrently, an International Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Risk commenced at the university. Distinguished figures in attendance included caretaker Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, Kauser Abdullah Malik, caretaker Education Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhaw Dr Qasim Jan, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Zhang Yaping, Director General Sui Ping, and Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad.

Also present were Vice-Chancellor of Quaid-e-Azam University, Professor Dr. Niaz Akhtar, and President of Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Professor Dr Khalid M. Khan.